Our next program is scheduled for February 13th featuring Civil War jack-of-all-trades David Ward and his program highlighting “Schuylkill County’s Coal Heavers: The 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers.” Some of the original First Defenders served in the 96th which was originally commanded by Colonel Henry L. Cake, formerly of the National Light Infantry. The regiment spent its service in the Eastern Theatre, and David’s talk will highlight military engagements, the regiment’s feelings about the direction of the war and reactions to Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation along with their feelings about the generals they served including Henry Slocum, Joseph Bartlett, William Franklin, William Brooks, John Sedgwick and Emory Upton.

Meal selections for the February program are posted on the web site (or you can contact Meal Captain Kathy Little by telephone; her contact info is in the newsletter and on the web site). Reservations are due by noon on Friday, February 9th!

We look forward to seeing everyone on February 13th for “Schuylkill County’s Coal Heavers: the 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers” featuring David Ward!